February Food News with Eat With Ellen

I’ll admit, when it comes to finding out about food and drink stuff in February it’s pretty hard to find anything that’s not related to the ‘V’ word. But having looked at some of the menus and options on offer, I’ve decided that I’m going to share them with you. After all, you could take advantage of some of them as ‘Galentine’s’, ‘Palentine’s’, or whatever made-up word you feel like you might want to use this month. 

There’s other stuff in here and as usual, all with a lovely food and drink focus. So kick back, enjoy, and celebrate the fact that January is finally over!

Valentine’s at London Sky Bar

Okay, I’ll kick off with a Valentine’s one – London SkyBar, which offers 360° views of London from the 29th floor of The Millbank Tower is opening its doors on February 14th and 15th for a romantic evening. 

It’s offering an exclusive ‘Valentine’s in The Sky’ dining experience which will see you greeted with a glass of Champagne before enjoying a three-course meal created by head chef Barry Noonan, including courses like Roasted Winter Torte, Beetroot and Gin Cured Salmon, Herb crusted Lamb and Ravioli Hearts.

If you don’t want to dine, you can opt for the ‘Champagne in the Sky’ offering and enjoy a drink whilst taking in the views. London SkyBar will be open until midnight for all visitors, with a bespoke love themed cocktail menu and live music. Bookings are available here.

Millbank Tower, 21 – 24 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RS

Sunday Sessions at Cornerstone, Hackney

If Tom Brown’s Cornerstone in Hackney Wick wasn’t tempting enough, he’s now teaming up with some of his top chefs and pals to offer Sunday Sessions – a series of collaborative lunches. The line-up launches with Tom’s menor Nathan Outlaw on February 16th, and also includes Tom Kerridge, Nieves Barragan, Lee Tiernan, Brad Carter, Gareth Ward and more. 

You’ll get to try signature starters from Tom followed by mains created by his guest chef and presented to the table family-style. Guests will finish with a showstopping sharing dessert from Cornerstone’s own pastry chef Kelly Cullen.

On top of all that, a DJ will play while you eat and tickets will also guarantee access to an afterparty hosted at recently launched Allegra in The Stratford hotel where you can enjoy specially-created Sunday Session cocktails.

Each Sunday Sessions menu will cost £100pp, including a welcome gin & tonic made with Cornerstone’s very own gin in partnership with Wrecking Coast Distillery. Alternatively, for £150pp, guests can also enjoy a wine flight. Both ticket options include access to the Sunday Sessions afterparty at Allegra with complimentary drink on arrival. Tickets are available through the Cornerstone website.

3 Prince Edward Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LX. Nearest station – Hackney Wick

Petersham Nurseries Richmond

Petersham Nurseries Richmond is celebrating Valentine’s Day 2020 with a focus on the heart. It’s hosting an exclusive supper club on the evenings of February 13th and 14th, featuring a 10-course tasting menu designed by Will Hopper and acclaimed nutritionist Hannah Richard to improve heart health.

Each course will be cooked over an open fire amongst the romantic herb garden and guests can either dine all together on one table or cosy up in the candlelit nooks scattered around the greenhouse. Tickets are £70 and can be booked here.

Petersham Nurseries, Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB. Nearest station – Richmond

Valentine’s at Farzi Cafe

Haymarket’s modern Indian restaurant Farzi Cafe is joining in the Valentine’s fun with a special menu. Starting with an amuse-bouche and a Lanique rose liquor cocktail, the menu includes a sharing platter of five dishes including tandoori goat shoulder and a delicately spiced quail & chicken seekh kebab.

For mains, you can choose from the likes of kale and paneer dolma spheres with truffle makhani or pan-seared sea bass and Malay curry, all accompanied by traditional Indian breads, dal makhani and dum pulao. The menu culminates in valentine’s dessert Love Is In The Air; a combination of rose & raspberry air, coconut & lime sorbet.

The dinner menu is priced at £65 or £58 for the vegetarian option and lunch and early bird menus are also available. You can book here.

8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP. Nearest stations – Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus

Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar

For something a bit different, check out a Valentine’s screening of Pretty Woman at One Aldwych before enjoying a Basque-inspired three-course dinner at Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar featuring dishes including mussels cooked on charcoal with txakoli wine, pork ribs in a pork sauce and roasted aubergine.

Alternatively, Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar is also offering its Txoko tasting menu on Valentine’s Day, with eight delicious courses all designed to share and served alongside an optional wine pairing. Book here.

One, Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ. Nearest stations – Covent Garden, Temple

MUST TRY

If you’re not heading out but are looking for a gift, how about a Chocolate Memory Box from Morse Toad. The idea’s simple – add your message to some high-quality Belgian chocolate with your photo on top. You even get a frame, so once the chocs are all gone you can frame it and hang it on the wall. And it’s all done via post so you don’t even need to leave the house. Order yours here.